Headache FAQ

What is the extent of the headache problem in the U.S.?

Some 100 million Americans suffer from tension-type headaches, and 30 million suffer from migraines.

Who is most likely to suffer from headaches?

Men and women are equally likely to develop tension-type headaches, while migraines are much more common in women, and cluster headaches are more likely to strike men.

What causes headaches?

We do not know the exact cause(s) of headaches, but in most cases they are due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors (known as “triggers”).

I didn’t know headaches were often genetic. Can you explain?

If one of your parents suffers from severe headaches, your chances of suffering from headaches will be much higher than someone without a family history of the condition. The good news is that even if both parents suffer from headaches, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will also suffer. And even if you do develop headaches, they may not be as severe or frequent as your parent’s.

What are some common headache triggers?

Stress, lack of sleep, bright lights, loud noises, weather changes, hormonal fluctuations, skipping meals, alcohol, daily intake of caffeine, chocolate, and certain other foods can all cause headaches.

Why don’t standard medicines work for all headaches?

Modern medical science has developed many powerful pain relievers, but they often have strong side effects that make it impossible for people to keep using them, and/or they “weaken” over time as the body becomes “used” to them. And we have yet to develop a drug that will actually prevent headaches.

If you are a headache sufferer, are you destined to suffer forever?

Absolutely not. Sometimes headaches fade away on their own, while in many other cases they’re banished when people reduce or eliminate their exposure to their triggers, such as caffeine or stress. In other cases, headaches are managed – but not eliminated – by medicines. As research into the causes of headaches continues, we’ll develop more aids like Dr. Mauskop’s Migralex™ that work by restoring a healthy balance of minerals and/or other natural substances in the body.

Which natural treatments are available for headache sufferers?

Acupuncture, select herbal products such as feverfew and butterbur, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and CoQ10 may help relieve headaches.

A simple solution for many people is to avoid headache triggers, such as lack of sleep, hunger, caffeine, alcohol and certain foods. Regular exercise, meditation, yoga and relaxation exercises can improve your resistance to headaches, as well as other medical problems.